14 Day East-West Journey through Bhutan

After an early breakfast, begin your scenic drive from the border town of Samdrup Jongkhar, into the eastern highlands, offering a changing landscape of lush subtropical forests and alpine greenery. Ascend steadily towards the Narphungla Pass (2,200 meters). Shortly, reach Narphung village, a charming settlement known for its organic produce. You can stop briefly to observe local roadside vendors or interact with villagers.

Continue your drive and you’ll reach the small town of Womrong, where you’ll stop for lunch. After lunch, your next stop is at the Khaling Weaving Center, where village girls learn the art of weaving. 

From Khaling, drive uphill to Yangphula Pass, passing Yongphula Airport, then descend to Kanglung, home to Sherubtse College. Continue to Trashigang and visit the historic 17th-century Dzong, which serves as both a religious and administrative center. In the evening, explore the town, browse local shops, and meet the friendly residents.

Overnight: Hotel in Trashigang
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, drive to the remote and culturally unique village of Sakteng (2 hrs), home to the Brokpa people. We will pass through breathtaking landscapes and traditional villages. This area is known for its distinctive dress, language, and customs. Explore the village, interact with locals, and learn about their nomadic lifestyle.

Overnight: Homestay in Sakteng
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Return to Trashigang, then continue westward to Mongar, a town perched on a hilltop. Along the way, we will visit Rangjung Monastery, with stops at Yedi Village and Korila Pass. From the pass, we will descend into Mongar town. In the evening, take a stroll around Mongar town. 

Overnight: Hotel in Mongar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drive north to Lhuentse, one of Bhutan’s most remote districts and the ancestral home of the royal family. Visit the village of Khoma, famous for its highly valued Kishuthara textiles, handwoven by women on backstrap looms. Observe the weaving process and interact with artisans.

Overnight: Homestay in Lhuntse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Before leaving, Lhuentse visit to Lhuentse Dzong, perched dramatically above the Kuri Chhu River and surrounded by steep valleys. Next, we’ll head to Tangmachhu village and continue onward to Takila, where the towering statue of Guru Rinpoche—the largest of its kind—stands majestically over the landscape. Then head towards Yongkola, a biodiversity hotspot in Bhutan’s eastern belt. The journey takes you through beautiful forests teeming with birdlife, orchids, and pristine rivers. Yongkola is renowned among birdwatchers for rare species like the Rufous-necked hornbill and Satyr tragopan. Relax amidst nature or try spotting some of the area’s rich birdlife

Overnight: hotel in Yongkola.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, after passing the small village of Sangkhor, we will ascend to Thrumshingla Pass (3,780 m), one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan. Before descending gradually into Bumthang Valley, we’ll stop briefly in Ura Village to visit its traditional temple and wander through its charming lanes. 

Bumthang is the spiritual and cultural heart of the country. The region is home to several sacred monasteries and is deeply associated with Guru Rinpoche. The drive then continues for approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes to reach Jakar, the main town in Bumthang. 

Overnight: Hotel in Bumthang
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our excursion begins with a visit to Mebar Tsho, also known as the Burning Lake, a sacred site in the Tang Valley where the revered Terton Pema Lingpa is said to have discovered hidden treasures. We then proceed to Tang Rimochen Lhakhang, a revered temple believed to have been founded in the 8th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. This temple houses sacred relics, including a statue of Guru Rinpoche, which, according to legend, flew here from Tibet.

Next, we’ll explore the Ogyen Choling Museum, a former noble residence turned into a museum that showcases the heritage, artifacts, and lifestyle of Bhutanese aristocracy from centuries past.

Afterward, we return to Jakar to visit Jakar Dzong, also known as the Fortress of the White Bird. Built in the 17th century by the fourth Desi, Tenzin Rabgay, the dzong remains a vital administrative and spiritual hub in the region.

Our journey continues to Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, believed to date back to the 7th century. We then visit Kurjey Lhakhang, a sacred site where Guru Rinpoche meditated and left his body imprint in the rock.

To conclude the day, we cross to the other side of the river to see Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa, renowned for his discovery of spiritual treasures.

You may also visit a Red Panda beer, and enjoy the valley’s serene beauty.

Overnight: Hotel in Bumthang
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drive westward to the glacial valley of Phobjikha, home to the black-necked cranes during winter. On the way, we will stop at Zugney Village, renowned for its textiles woven from yak hair and wool. This will be an opportunity for you to observe the weaving process and purchase some unique souvenirs.

En route, visit the Ta-Dzong, which was once a watchtower and has been converted into a museum, housing around 244 items used over the years by the Wangchuck dynasty.

After lunch, visit Trongsa Dzong, a massive fortress with sweeping views over the Mangde Chhu valley. On our way to Phobjikha Valley, we’ll make a brief stop at the 19th-century Chendebji Chorten, a serene stupa that closely resembles Nepal’s Boudhanath Stupa. The drive then continues through the picturesque villages of Chendebji, Rukubji and spot yaks grazing in the fields with their herders.

We’ll pause at Pelela Pass, located at 3,425 meters, to enjoy sweeping views of the Black Mountain range and sample local dried yak cheese. Our journey then takes us over the scenic Lawo La Pass as we make our way to Gangtey.

Overnight: Hotel in Gangtey
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hike Gangtey Nature Trail which is one and a half hours and enjoy the breathtaking view of Phobjikha valley. Enjoy the pristine environment, lush landscapes, and the chance to spot local flora and fauna. Phobjikha valley is also the winter home of Black Necked Cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north (Tibetan plateau) to pass their winter in the milder and lower climate. 

Visit Gangtey Monastery dating back to the 17th century Nyingmapa monastery. This monastery, perched on a hilltop, offers breathtaking views of the Phobjikha Valley.

Drive to Punakha (2 hours). We’ll pass by the impressive Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, a historic fortress originally built in 1638 and recently rebuilt after a fire in 2012.

In Punakha, walk across farmhouses to reach Chimi Lhakhang, A 15th-century fertility temple – Chimi Lhakhang, temple of Fertility blessed by Lam Drukpa Kuenley, who is known as the Divine Madman for his eccentric behaviors. He is also considered a symbol of fertility and many childless couples go to his temple for blessing.

Overnight: Hotel in Punakha
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, 45 minutes hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel chorten with the picturesque view of the rice terraces along the river. It is a beautiful chorten located on a ridge at Kabesa Gewog in Punakha overlooking several villages. It is a 45-minute uphill hike from the base of the hill through suspension bridge and rice fields. Then visit Punakha Dzong, one of the majestic fortresses which is located between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. Then visit the longest suspension bridge across the dzong, spanning 160m over the Phochu River. Drive to Thimphu (2 hrs). On the way, stop at  Dochula Pass. It sits at an elevation of around 3,100 meters (10,200 feet) above sea level. The pass is renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges, including the majestic peaks of the snow-capped Himalayas. Once here, you will witness 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens.

Walk through Bhutan’s capital city exploring Clock Tower Square, a prominent landmark adorned with intricate Bhutanese motifs and stroll towards Thimphu’s iconic traffic junction, famously known as the main traffic circle as it has no traffic lights. Instead, you’ll witness a white-gloved traffic officer gracefully directing vehicles in a choreographed style that has become a tourist attraction in its own right. Lastly, Tashichhodzong. This magnificent structure stands proudly on the banks of the Wang Chhu River and serves as both a religious and administrative hub of Bhutan. Now it houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the King and central monk body.

Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, visit; National Memorial Chorten: Probably one of the most popular Thimphu points of interest. Then visit the Buddha Dordenma Statue, also known as the “Buddha Point,” is a massive statue of Buddha Shakyamuni in the Kingdom of Bhutan.

Motithang Takin Preserve also known as the Mini Zoo where you will see Bhutan’s typical national animal. The Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory is reputedly the best place that manufactures traditional paper. You can buy this unique paper here which will make for interesting souvenir gifts.

Later drive to Paro (an hour). On the way visit;
Tachogang Iron Chain Bridge, located along Paro-Thimphu highway, before Chhuzom. It is just a 10 minutes walk from the highway. It is a great spot for photography with a stunning view and peaceful ambience.
Take some time to explore the charming Paro downtown. Stroll along the main street lined with colorful traditional Bhutanese architecture.

Namgay Artisanal Brewery: Did you know Bhutan has some of the most reputed and highly enjoyed brews? Well, if you are a beer lover and want to taste some of the finest brews, you must visit the Namgay Artisanal Brewery in Paro Valley.

Overnight: Hotel in Paro
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start an early morning hike to Taktsang Monastery. The wooden structure built amazingly, stands bravely on a cliff. It is said that the great Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress and set up this monastery when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. The monastery was built in 1692 by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgaye who is said to be one of the reincarnations of Guru Rinpoche.

From the road, the hike toward Taktshang follows an uphill route and takes approximately 2-3 hours at an average walking pace on a clear, sunny day.

After the hike, stroll around Paro town for souvenirs.

After the hike, enjoy the Hot Stone bath at the hotel. This uniquely Bhutanese experience comprises a bath and massage that uses heated river stones to help relieve deep-set aches and pains. When placed in water, the hot stones crack and steam, releasing key minerals that help to aid stress and soothe the body.

Overnight: Hotel in Paro
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning drive to Airport for your onward destination.